When you’re talking about the smaller dog breeds, one of the most obvious things all of them share in their size. However, their personalities can differ. Some small dog breeds have friendly and playful personalities, while others are more laid-back and prefer independence. There’s also appearance to remember. Some little dogs have short, straight hair while others have longer hair and others have curly strands of hair. Some love to snuggle up against you and others have so much energy, they can tire out their owners.
There’s a perfect dog out there for you, but it all depends on which will be the best fit, from their temperament to their grooming needs. Doing your research will save you a lot of trouble before choosing which small dog is the right one for you and your family.
No matter what breed of dog you have, there’s always the risk of them biting you or someone else. Make it a point to socialize your new pet and always pay attention. If one of your New Jersey neighbors is bitten, you might need a dog bite lawyer in Trenton, New Jersey. Always keep this in mind.
Here’s a few of the small dogs to look into and all the info you need to know about them.
Maltese
The Maltese boasts a smooth and silky white coat of hair and is one of the first small dogs you’ll think of.
They are devoted lap dogs, but are very energetic and love a lot of time to play. Despite their small stature, they have a fearlessness that has been carried down from their early days when they hunted rats. The Maltese gets along with all age groups, making for an excellent family dog. They are also easy to teach and will showcase the tricks they’ve learned.
The Maltese is known for its beautiful long coat of hair, but most owners will keep the dog’s hair shorter to make grooming simpler. Also, the hair around their eyes can become stained from tears, so wiping their eyes regularly is needed.
As with most dogs, a Maltese should go for a walk on a regular basis, as well as some playtime to keep them entertained.
Something you may not know about the Maltese is that it is also known as the “Roman Ladies’ Dog” and was linked with status in ancient Rome.
Boston Terrier
Known as a classic American-bred dog, the Boston Terrier is instantly recognizable for its dark and white hair and huge, bright eyes. The breed has a charming mix of wit and refinement. They are also very intelligent, attentive, and have lots of energy, but love a lot of family time. Although the Boston Terrier is friendly to everybody, they is devoted to one individual.
Because of their noses and tiny nostrils, Boston Terriers also tend to snore.
Due to its short hair, they only need brushing on occasion. And, you must remember to clean their wrinkly noses on a regular basis, as it can accumulate dirt.
Boston Terriers need daily strolls in the neighborhood to stay in shape or simply regular playtime inside with the family.
As you may have already figured out, the Boston Terrier is named after the city where the breed originated: Boston, Massachusetts.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is instantly recognizable, due to its unique appearance. They come in multiple sizes and colors, so you can get them in small and regular sizes. They have an unrivaled sense of self-assurance and bravery, which comes from their origins of being combating badgers.
These cute dogs have a strong attachment to their owners and are devoted to protecting them, but sometimes can also be difficult. The Dachshund is actually a cross-breed between hound and terrier, making them spunky and self-sufficient.
Thanks to a very short coat variant, it doesn’t need a ton of grooming. However, there are long-haired versions of the breed that sheds more often and need their hair manicured and brushed more.
The Dachshund needs walks each day, most of the time more than one. However, the Dachshund doesn’t like intense activity, so the walks should not be too strenuous.
Most people know the Dachshund as a “wiener dog,” this breed was the inspiration for the hotdog.
